A coalition of opposition deputies has formally petitioned the Constitutional Council, arguing that the National Assembly’s decision to reinstate Ousmane Sonko as a deputy violates constitutional principles. The move comes after Sonko’s controversial return to parliament amidst ongoing legal and political disputes.
The lawmakers contend that Sonko’s reinstatement—followed by his election as Assembly President—directly contravenes the Constitution’s Article 54, which explicitly prohibits simultaneous parliamentary and ministerial mandates. They emphasize that his prior renunciation of his deputy role due to government appointment was legally binding, making any subsequent reinstatement invalid.
The opposition bloc has accused the Assembly Bureau of orchestrating what they term a “constitutional breach,” undermining the integrity of Senegal’s democratic institutions. In their declaration, the deputies stress that the Council must intervene to rectify this “flagrant violation” and restore constitutional order. They argue that no majority, regardless of size, is exempt from adhering to the Republic’s foundational laws.
Efforts to secure critical documents—including the reinstatement decree and the May 26, 2026 plenary session minutes—were met with resistance when Assembly officials refused to provide them, despite legal summons. The deputies condemn this obstruction as a grave assault on transparency and parliamentary rights, calling it an impediment to their constitutional duty.
The opposition has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to defend Senegal’s democratic framework, asserting that only the Council can halt this perceived institutional overreach. Their petition underscores a broader struggle to uphold constitutional supremacy in the face of political maneuvering.
Signatories to the constitutional challenge
- Daouda Dia
- Aïssata Ousmane Diallo
- Amadou Diallo
- Raqui Diallo
- Mamadou Diaw
- Salimata Diop Dieng
- Mbaye Dione
- Thérèse Faye
- Barane Fofana
- Cheikh Omar Hann
- Birima Mangara
- Abdou Mbow
- Fabineta Ndiaye
- Anta Babacar Ngom
- Thierno Alassane Sall
- Maguette Sène
- Abdoulaye Sylla
- Tafsir Thioye
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